World Health Organization: We hope the US will reconsider its decision to withdraw from membership

(Patria) - The World Health Organization (WHO) expresses regret over the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw its membership from the Organization.

The WHO plays a key role in protecting the health and safety of people worldwide, including Americans, by addressing the causes of diseases, strengthening health systems, and detecting, preventing, and responding to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, often in dangerous places where others cannot go.

The United States of America was one of the founding members of the WHO in 1948 and has since contributed to shaping and governing the work of the WHO, together with 193 other member states, through active participation in the World Health Assembly and the Executive Board. Over the past seven decades, the WHO and the US have saved countless lives and protected Americans as well as all people around the world from health threats. Together, we have eradicated smallpox and brought polio to the brink of eradication. American institutions have significantly contributed to the work of the WHO and have benefited from many advantages of membership.

With the participation of the United States and other member states, the WHO has over the past seven years implemented the most comprehensive set of reforms in its history, aimed at addressing its accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact in member countries. That work continues.

We hope that the United States of America will reconsider its decision and look forward to constructive dialogue in order to preserve the partnership between the US and the WHO, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the world.